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TV business is shrinking. Then why are broadcasters launching new channels?
MINT· 2025-10-06 00:15
Core Viewpoint - Indian television broadcasters are launching new channels despite stagnating revenues and a shift of advertisers to digital media, betting on targeted categories that cater to large audience segments [1] Group 1: New Channel Launches - Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has launched Kannada and Bengali language channels, Zee Power and Zee BanglaSonar, while Sony Pictures Networks India added Sony MAX 1 to its movie portfolio [2] - The new channels utilize both ad-supported and subscription models [2] Group 2: Market Trends and Audience Engagement - Broadcasters are focusing on categories with mass appeal or underserved niches, where consumption is habitual and differentiation is possible [3] - Movie channels, music, regional language entertainment, and devotional programming are highlighted as areas with steady audiences and predictable advertiser interest [4] - The TV segment revenues fell by 4.5% in 2024, marking a second consecutive year of decline, while TV advertising revenue dropped by 6% due to a 12% reduction in brands using television [5] Group 3: Digital Media vs. Traditional TV - Digital media grew by 17% in 2024, becoming the fastest-growing segment of the Indian media and entertainment sector at ₹802 billion [5] - Despite the rise of digital media, traditional television still reaches a massive viewer base, with total TV subscriptions at 160 million in 2024 compared to 92 million video OTT users [6] Group 4: Regional Market Opportunities - There is untapped potential in television viewership in regions like Bengal, where TV penetration is at 66%, below the national average of 71% [10] - Regional markets have seen a rise in channels launched in languages like Marathi, Bangla, and Bhojpuri, indicating a promising area for broadcasters [11] Group 5: Niche Channels and Monetization - Launching niche or themed channels allows broadcasters to capture specific audience segments at relatively low incremental content creation costs, especially in regional languages [9] - The Hindi movie genre, despite being crowded, still has room for new entrants due to its high repeat value [12] Group 6: Challenges and Strategic Responses - New channels risk fragmenting audiences and advertising revenue, as brands are shifting budgets to digital channels with sharper targeting [13] - Evolving consumer behavior demands faster innovation and integration of new technologies, which can strain traditional broadcasters [14] - Broadcasters expect new channels to drive more viewers towards television, but face immediate challenges in monetization via advertising [15]
TikTok shut down its LA headquarters after a series of online threats
Business Insider· 2025-10-05 16:52
TikTok closed its Los Angeles offices on Thursday and Friday after employees reported receiving a series of online threats, according to two current staffers and a representative from the Culver City Police Department. The police said they arrested a suspect on Friday they believe was connected to the threats. TikTok's Culver City office will remain closed through the weekend, the police said."Out of an abundance of caution, security evacuated the location," the police department said in a press release. ...
One Direction to reunite for a Netflix show? Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik to come together after Liam Payne’s death
The Economic Times· 2025-10-05 16:38
Core Insights - The upcoming Netflix series featuring Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik will provide an intimate exploration of grief, life, and fatherhood following the death of their former bandmate Liam Payne [1][17][15] - The series is directed by Nicola Marsh and produced by Campfire Studios, known for high-quality storytelling [2][11] Group 1: Series Overview - The series is a three-part road trip documentary where Tomlinson and Malik reflect on their personal journeys and experiences coping with Payne's death [15][1] - It aims to capture candid moments between the two musicians, focusing on their emotional healing and efforts to find closure [8][12] Group 2: One Direction's Legacy - One Direction, formed in 2010, became one of the most successful boy bands, selling over 200 million records worldwide and achieving multiple No. 1 albums [3][4] - The band had 29 songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the first in Billboard 200 history to have its first four albums debut at No. 1 [3] Group 3: Liam Payne's Impact - Liam Payne's tragic death on October 16, 2024, significantly affected the remaining band members, leading to expressions of grief from Malik and Tomlinson [5][7] - The series will include discussions about Payne's passing and its impact on Tomlinson and Malik both personally and professionally [16][13] Group 4: Cultural Significance - The series represents a cultural moment for fans who grew up with One Direction, highlighting the personal journeys of its members [14][10] - It is anticipated that the show will resonate deeply with audiences who have remained devoted to the band over the past decade [14]
The Final Chord: AI and the Erasure of Music as Art
Medium· 2025-10-05 15:48
Core Argument - The music industry is undergoing a transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI), which is being used by major labels to replace human artists with algorithmically generated content, leading to a loss of authenticity and cultural depth in music [2][5][20] Industry Dynamics - Major music labels like Universal, Sony, and Warner are engaging in contradictory practices by suing AI music generators for copyright infringement while simultaneously investing in AI technologies to create music under their control [5][9] - The streaming economy has drastically changed the financial landscape for artists, with the per-stream rate set at $0.0033, resulting in artists earning significantly less than in previous decades [8][9] - The majority of Spotify artists earn less than $1,000 annually, with only 0.11% making over $100,000, indicating a severe economic imbalance favoring major labels [9] Cultural Implications - The rise of autotuned and algorithmically generated music is desensitizing audiences to vocal authenticity, preparing them for a future where music is a mere product devoid of emotional connection [4][6] - The industry is accused of promoting mediocrity by flooding the market with low-quality music, which is easier for AI to replicate, thus reshaping the global soundscape [4][5] - The cultural landscape is being dumbed down, with a focus on individualism and consumerism, undermining the community spirit that music once fostered [11][12] Resistance and Authenticity - Despite the rise of AI, there remains a strong call for authentic music that resonates with human experience, emphasizing the importance of supporting independent artists and rejecting algorithmically generated content [17][20] - Artists who embody true creativity and emotional depth are seen as a form of resistance against the homogenization of music by AI [19][20]
Indian market's shift towards premium devices to drive Snapdragon 8 chipsets adoption: Qualcomm
The Economic Times· 2025-10-05 08:49
Core Insights - Qualcomm is positioning India as a key market due to the government's push for manufacturing and the increasing demand for premium devices [1][10][13] - The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform was launched as the world's fastest mobile system-on-a-chip, featuring a CPU processing speed of up to 4.6 GHz and GPU speed of 1.2 GHz per core [2][12][13] - The chipset includes a hexagon NPU with a 37% performance improvement over its predecessor, enhancing AI capabilities in applications such as real-time translation [6][7][13] Market Position - Snapdragon holds a 40% market share in the smartphone segment priced above Rs 25,000, indicating strong brand recognition in India [1][13] - The chipset will be featured in flagship devices from various global manufacturers, with Chinese smartphone makers leading the adoption [8][13] Government and Industry Engagement - Qualcomm is deepening its engagement with India's digital ecosystem, benefiting from local manufacturing initiatives and the growth of AI and automotive sectors [9][11][13] - The company has established strong relationships across government, retail, and carrier sectors, facilitating new opportunities and collaborations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) [10][11][13] Employment and Local Impact - Qualcomm employs approximately 20,000 people in India, reflecting its commitment to the local market and workforce [11][13] - The company is actively collaborating with major PC manufacturers in India, enhancing its presence in the personal computer segment [12][13]
We’ve Tested the Best Beginner Drones with 4K Cameras
Medium· 2025-10-05 07:29
When I first started exploring drones, I was overwhelmed. There were too many options, too many specs, and way too much jargon. All I wanted was something simple, a drone that could shoot beautiful, cinematic footage without requiring a pilot’s license or a technical degree.If you’ve ever felt the same way, trust me, I get it. That’s exactly why I decided to test some of the best beginner-friendly 4K drones available today.This guide isn’t just a list of specs or features. It’s the result of hands-on testin ...
Why Europe Failed to Dominate Consumer Tech: The Paradox of Potential and Regulation
Medium· 2025-10-05 07:10
Core Insights - Europe has historically been a leader in technology but has failed to produce global consumer tech giants comparable to those in the US and Asia [2][3] - Despite a strong foundation in education, industry, and R&D, the European consumer tech market is underdeveloped, with significant gaps in market capitalization compared to US firms [6][7] Market Position - The combined market capitalization of seven major US tech companies reached $13 trillion in 2024, while Europe's top 11 tech companies totaled only $2.2 trillion, representing less than 17% of the US firms' value [7] - The absence of recognizable European consumer tech brands is further highlighted by the rise of Asian tech giants [7] Structural Challenges - Regulatory fragmentation within the EU complicates the establishment of startups, as companies must navigate 27 different regulatory systems [9] - European investors exhibit a cautious investment culture, leading to 54% less funding for startups compared to their US counterparts [10] - A significant brain drain is occurring, with 73% of EU science graduates choosing to stay overseas, impacting the talent pool for high-growth startups [11] Regulatory Landscape - Europe is focusing on regulation to hold tech giants accountable and set global standards, exemplified by the GDPR and the Digital Markets Act [12][14] - The Brussels Effect allows European regulations to become global standards, as multinational companies prefer a single compliance structure [15] - The EU is proactively investing in technology, such as the €43 billion European Chips Act to enhance semiconductor production [15][16] Innovation and Future Outlook - Despite challenges, Europe is fostering innovation, with examples like Estonia's fully digitized government services and France's growing startup ecosystem [16] - The fundamental question remains whether Europe can build its own tech future while regulating the existing landscape [16]
Climate Week NYC…On Screen
Forbes· 2025-10-04 14:39
Core Insights - The central theme of Climate Week 2025 was the significant role of entertainment in addressing climate issues, moving beyond traditional policy discussions to focus on storytelling as a means to drive solutions [3][12] - The event showcased a collaboration between the entertainment industry and climate advocates, emphasizing the importance of narrative in shaping public perception and action on climate change [10][11] Group 1: Entertainment's Role in Climate Action - Solutions House, organized by Futerra and the Exponential Roadmap Initiative, became a hub for discussions on how storytelling can accelerate climate solutions, featuring prominent figures from various sectors [3][5] - The Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, comprising major studios like Netflix and Disney, highlighted the potential for commercial opportunities in sustainability content, indicating a shift in how the entertainment industry views its role in climate action [3][4] - The event included sessions that explored the intersection of entertainment and climate justice, with voices from the frontlines advocating for inclusive narratives [3][10] Group 2: Cultural Impact and Engagement - Climate Week emphasized the need for cultural conversations alongside policy discussions, with various events and screenings designed to engage audiences actively rather than passively [8][9] - Research indicated that storytelling, such as episodes from popular shows, can effectively raise awareness and influence public behavior regarding climate issues [9][10] - The integration of climate themes into mainstream entertainment is seen as a way to normalize sustainability and inspire action among broader audiences [10][12] Group 3: Future Directions - The narrative around climate storytelling is evolving, with a focus on creative integrity and the potential for entertainment to serve as a form of infrastructure for climate action [11][12] - The success of Climate Week 2025 suggests that the entertainment industry is transitioning from a passive participant to an active leader in climate discourse, shaping cultural narratives that resonate with the public [12][13] - The call for regeneration of imaginations through film and TV underscores the belief that cultural engagement is essential for effective climate action [13]
Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ Album Returning
Forbes· 2025-10-04 13:36
Core Insights - The anniversary box set of Pink Floyd's album "Wish You Were Here" is set to be released on December 12, 2025, consolidating the band's superstar status fifty years after its original release [1][4] - The release is part of Sony Music's strategy to recoup its $400 million investment in Pink Floyd's music catalog, which is part of a larger trend of significant investments in music catalogs by major companies [5][6] Industry Trends - Classic rock is experiencing a resurgence as audiences with disposable income seek nostalgic experiences, making the target market for the box set financially lucrative [4] - The album "Wish You Were Here" has sold over six million units, demonstrating its lasting commercial impact and appeal among fans, particularly between 1986 and 1997 [7] Product Details - The box set includes a 2 CD/3 vinyl LP format, with a Super Deluxe edition priced around $250, featuring alternate takes, demos, live material, and a hardcover book [4][8] - The original album contained five tracks totaling 44 minutes, and the new box set will include previously unreleased material and a new Dolby Atmos mix [9][10] Marketing and Packaging - The packaging of the original album played a significant role in its marketing, with notable artwork by Hipgnosis, emphasizing the importance of album visuals in the 1970s [11][12] - The new box set design draws on Pink Floyd's historical themes while incorporating modern elements, maintaining the legacy of the original packaging [12] Future Expectations - Fans can anticipate similar reissues of other Pink Floyd albums, such as "Animals" and "The Wall," as Sony Music seeks to maximize returns on its investment [13]
Kirsten Dunst excited about potential ‘Spider-Man 4’ reuniting with Tobey Maguire
The Economic Times· 2025-10-03 22:44
Her willingness to explore new facets of MJ's character aligns with the evolving landscape of superhero narratives, which increasingly delve into more grounded and personal stories. The prospect of a Spider-Man 4 has garnered attention following Following the massive success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans began campaigning for both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield to receive new solo Spider-Man films. Maguire has expressed that he would be thrilled to reprise the role, stating he would eagerly take on t ...